In just a few hours, it will be midnight here in Frankfurt and Ryan's birthday.....
how can our "baby" be 27?
Happy Birthday, Sweetie....our Navy "Tophatter" pilot
Guten tag, (good day)
So many adventures and new experiences since I last wrote. We arrived in Frankfurt this afternoon where our ship was waiting for us after leaving on the bus from Aschaffenburg this morning and spending a big day in Heidelberg,
Some highlights of the past few days include visiting and touring the charming towns of Bamberg, Wuirzburg, Wertheim and Heidelberg. After touring Bamberg, we had a fabulous High Tea on the ship – what a wonderful array of small sandwiches and pastries, teas and coffee.
90 of our shipmates chose to take the side trip to Rothenberg on Wednesday (Germany's oldest medieval town about 1 hour away). What great fun for Kathy and I as we shopped in the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop - did our part to boost their economy. As we were leaving the market center, we went into a coffee shop “just in case” we could get one to go and the shopkeeper spoke a little English and said “yes”, but we weren't sure he understand us as there was not a paper cup in sight. So, we explained what we wanted again (each of us) and he said“how many times you ask me and how many times I tell you “yes”! So........he pulls out 2 paper cups and lids from underneath the counter and we were happy campers with our cappuccinos-to-go. He smiled and said “You know this is not a European thing”? ...oh, yes we do know that!
Karl came aboard and sailed with us to Wertheim. He is a glass blower and did a great lecture plus followed by a booming business on the ship selling his beautiful pieces of art. Later after an authentic German buffet on board, Kathy and I walked the 2 minutes into this charming little village and visited his wife, Linda's shop and bought a few more items, plus some lovely jewelry that his daughter-in-law makes. In the afternoon Kathy and I along with 38 others enjoyed cake/coffee or German “Kaffeeklatsch” which 3 families provided us. Our host family was delightful (Elka) and what fun we had listening to her (very good English) describe their lifestyle, family, etc., in the tiny town of Nassig. Her pastries (chocolate cake made with red wine, peachy/whip cream concoction and some sort of rolls with filling were all delish!!!) Before dinner last night we were treated to a man and woman sing, play the saxophone and keyboard – they did everything from opera to big band to good ole American tunes. She had thee most beautiful, clear voice!
And here it is Friday, June 1 and we very much enjoyed Heidelberg, a university town with the very first Starbucks in Germany. Strolled around, browsed the shops and bought some chocolates from the “Student Kisses” shop – big popular spot there for chocolate! Barbara treated us to delicius strawberries on our return. We saw many fields of asparagus today. "White" asparagus is very popular here and soo good. It is covered while growing with large white plastic sheets which protects it from the sun. The sun is what makes it green - learn something new every day!!! So while we were being bussed to Heidelberg, our ship cruised to Frankfurt where we'll stay till midnight and then cruise all night arriving in Rudesheim tomorrow and looking forward to a gondola ride. Sunday, it's Cologne; Monday, Amsterdam, and Tuesday, Home Sweet Home. We are winding down this fabulous “dream vacation”. When we leave Frankfurt, we'll also be leaving the Main (Mine) River and cruise on the Rhine to Amsterdam AND, can resume lounging on the upper deck in the sunshine with beautiful views – this has been closed for past 5 days cause of low bridges.
Germany....what can we say! Such an absolutely beautiful, scenic country! It's the size of Montana, but with 82 million people!!! Almost ready to end this very enjoyable day which was topped off by a fun and very entertaining talent show put on by the crew of the Discovery II - what a riot!
Gute Nacht
1 comment:
Hi Pat: So glad you did enjoy Germany. We also loved all the stops we did in Germany. Did not take the gondola ride in Rudesheim and only had a couple of hours to see the town and do some quick shopping. A long wait for one of the locks on the Rhine kept us out of Rudesheim until late in the afternoon. We also did not go on the Main so did not see those towns. We did see where the Rhine and Main come together. We did the Mossell River which was a lovely river to cruise with quaint towns much like you saw on the Main. So glad you got to Heidelberg. We found it very picturesque and interesting to see the castle. Had a great lunch with the whole group in town and then found the shopping great. They also had a nice Christmas Shop where I purchased several gifts and some things for me too. You will like Cologne also. The cathedral is beautiful and has some interesting facts associated with it. Cologne was our first stop in Germany after Amsterdam. Well, hope the few days left on your trip are good with nice stops and good weather.
Going to the lake tomorrow to see the gang from Newton. Of course, I just got back from there on Friday. Kept the boys while Brooke was with Michael for Simpler's annual meeting. A lot going on with them as the school year winds down. Davis is much better and got to go on his school trip to Raleigh.
Chat with you later. Safe travels.
Love, JudyB
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